6 Ways to Celebrate Your College Graduation

Whether you like dancing, drinking, or dinner and a movie, these six celebration suggestions will make the evening of your commencement an unforgettable event.

1. Go to Commencement.

This sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes students decide against participating in their graduation ceremony. When I went community college, it wasn’t uncommon for friends to say that they were unsure whether they wanted to go to commencement. I always found this bewildering. In my opinion, if you’ve taken the time to earn a degree, you should take the time to celebrate your achievement.

Graduation ceremonies are great photo opportunities, and they give friends a final chance to wish one another well. If you attended school away from home, then commencement can be a great way to bring your loved ones together for a common celebration. You can even take a moment to give your family a tour of the school where you spent so much time.

2. Have a friend or family party.

Who doesn’t love a good party? From my experience, most college students love a fun celebration and, graduation is the perfect excuse to fill up the fridge, buy decorations, and pump up the dance music. No one will celebrate you like your support system of friends and family, so welcome their well wishes.

While decorating, you should keep in mind that there are so many great graduation themed balloons and party favors. Throwing a party can even let your more creative side show if you enjoy crafting your own invitations, cooking your own food, or choosing the perfect playlist to go along with the festivities. Make it lots of fun!

3. Go barhopping with friends.

The evening after commencement is the perfect time to go out with a bang. Just try to keep that loud noise from being your head hitting the floor. If you still have friends that live nearby, invite them out for a night of drinks and a rotating atmosphere. Barhopping is like the college student’s gourmet buffet. Nosh on appetizers, too while you can.

The good news about pub crawling, is that all of your drinks will probably be bought by others, so you can simply enjoy the celebration without counting your pennies. If saving money is on your mind, here are some tips to saving a few bucks in college. Pass them onto current college students you know, and look like a big shot graduate.

4. Have dinner with your spouse or loved one.

If you prefer a more low-key type of celebration, then an intimate dinner with your loved one may be the way to go. Not everyone in college is a twenty-something, nor does everyone have the financial means to go out and drop a bunch of money on one evening. Dinner at your favorite restaurant can be a wonderful way to spend the night.

You can splurge on a juicy steak or a fancy dessert, and you will most likely be able to recall the events of the night the next morning, unlike some of your fellow graduates. Yay, no hangover—unless you rent the movie and have a bunch of laughs before bed.

5. Have your diploma custom framed.

Plenty of craft stores like Michaels and A.C. Moore have great deals on custom framing. They even carry gorgeous frames that are inexpensive. Making a special ceremony out of framing your diploma can add a little extra nicety to your whole graduation experience. Let your creativity soar, and have fun picking out the border for your spectacular piece of paper.

6. Plan a well-deserved vacation.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of finishing up a long list of work. Your college graduation is the culmination of all of the effort and sleepless nights you put toward your goal. Now that the hard stuff is over, be sure to indulge. One way to free your mind is to plan an escape somewhere tropical or relaxing.

Is there a special city you’ve always dreamed of visiting? Did you hope to someday backpack across Europe or take a relaxing cruise? Now is the time to get away and reflect on the big in-between stage of college and career. Also, can you take me with you? If a vacation isn’t in the cards, then plan to indulge somehow—whether it’s a manicure and pedicure or a new pair of shades, do something special. You deserve it.

With these six tips your special time is sure to be full of fun, great company, and much deserved decompression after all of your work. Congratulations!